LaMelo Ball isn't being actively shopped around as trade bait, but that hasn't stopped the rumors from piling up. The Hornets have reportedly said their top star isn't available this offseason, but nobody expected Luka Doncic to be in Los Angeles either.
With that being said, if Charlotte was to off-load Ball, now is the time. Before the 2025 NBA Draft with a clear path towards a rebuild in the QC. According to Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes, there are three NBA teams who could be in the market for grabbing Ball before the upcoming season.
"Ball may not be Charlotte's cornerstone and could address major offensive issues for teams like the Houston Rockets or Orlando Magic," Hughes wrote. "He might even look good with the Portland Trail Blazers in a package that yields multiple young, cost-controlled assets."
But where would this leave the Hornets? All three teams have talent and could make an interesting offer. However, it would come down to what makes sense from a long-term perspective. The rest of Ball's max contract is a major factor as well.
With three draft picks in the top 35 of the draft, Charlotte has assets for a trade and could package up picks for the right deal.